Changing Oregon Documents

SEQUENCE

There is no one right way to change over documents, but the least expensive sequence would be to:

Obtain a Name Change

Change the name with the Social Security Administration

Change the name and gender identifier with the DMV

Change one’s passport name and gender identifier

Obtain a Court Ordered Gender Change in Oregon

Change the Name and gender identifier on the Oregon birth certificate if you were born in Oregon.

This order is the least expensive because you can change your name and gender identifier at the DMV at the same time.

NAME CHANGES

The Multnomah County courthouse is located at 1021 SW 4th Ave in downtown Portland.

Go to the Family Law Office in Room 211. Ask the clerks for name changes forms.

The packet of forms will walk you through the forms step by step. Make sure to bring valid state ID with you, out of state ID is okay as long as it is valid. You will need to file the paperwork and post notice of the name change on the board in the Family Law Office.

Part of the process on your first day will be scheduling a court date. They are typically scheduled 4-5 weeks out.

The fee for a name change is $174.25. This includes the name change forms, the filing fee, and a certified copy of your name change form signed by the judge on the morning of your court date.

One you receive you name change form in the mail you can start changing all your documents: DMV, bank, Social Security, etc.

For those who are facing financial challenges, Outside In provides a service known as the ID Project which will aid indigent clients and shepherd him or her through the process. Contact Outside In at 503-535-3878 and ask to speak with a representative from the ID Project. Erin Reid is the current staff member assisting individuals with the NAME CHANGE. Erin’s contact information is 503-535-3878 or email Erin at erinr@outsidein.org

SOCIAL SECURITY NAME CHANGE

Fill out “Social Security Name Change Form (SS-5 form)”

Provide proof of Identity: One or more identity documents in your new legal name such as a driver license, state issue ID. These documents must show your legal name.

Proof of former identity: one or more identiy documents in your former name. These documents can be expired.

Documents needed: Proof of legal name change: Court order for legal name change.

CHANGING NAME AND GENDER AT THE OREGON DMV

Best to complete after getting name change so you can change both the Name and the Gender designation at the same time.

Need a letter from a licensed therapist who is certified as WPATH trained.

Documents to bring: copy of name change certificate, letter from therapist, copy of birth certificate or passport (for authentication purposes, it doesn’t matter if the name is different.) and social security card (ok if old name)

Therapist must be on the “DMV Approved” list. (Approved meaning therapist works under the HBSOC rubric). Different letter then the Hormone letter.

Some DMV clerks are unaware of the requirements and may state only a letter with SRS will be sufficient. If this occurs, ask to speak with a supervisor

CHANGING NAME AND GENDER ON A PASSPORT

SOCIAL SECURITY GENDER IDENTIFIER CHANGE

Proof of Identity: One or more identity documents in your new legal name such as a driver’s license, passport, or state issued ID.

A letter from the surgeon or attending physician verifying sex change surgery has been completed. (The SSA is not specific as to which surgeries will be accepted.) The letter must clearly identify you as the person changing his or her gender marker.

Soc. Sec. Admin., Program Operations Manual System (POMS) RM00203.215(B) (2006). In 2002, the SSA changed the prior rule that allowed applicants to show that sex change surgery had either been completed or started.

OBTAINING A COURT ORDERED GENDER CHANGE IN OREGON

CHANGING NAME AND GENDER ON AN OREGON AND WASHINGTON STATE BIRTH CERTIFICATE

Why you might change the birth certificate: It is required when trying to obtain a marriage license, privacy issues (one less record with your old name on it).

Send a copy of the Name change/Gender change court order (letter from surgeon is insufficient, must have a court order. and the court order for gender change (will not be returned to you) along with $50 to: Oregon Vital Records, PO Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293-0050, Attn: Amendments. (As of January 2010—Subject to change…)
• Telephone Contact is: 971-673-1137
• Department Manager is: 971-673-1178

States who will not change a birth certificate at this time: Florida, Idaho, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas (will if a court order is presented).

To obtain a copy of your birth certificate, write or visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state you were born in. For a complete listing by state, go to the National Center for Vital Statistics website.

Or. Rev. Stat. § 432.235(4) (2005): Upon receipt of a certified copy of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction indicating the sex of an individual born in this state has been changed by surgical procedure and whether such individual’s name has been changed, the certificate of birth of such individual shall be amended as prescribed by rule of the state registrar.

Approval of the request depends upon doctor, Judge, how the letter is written, and clerk.